Issues ▷ Reggie Mantle

EIGHT

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EIGHT; YOU LOVE ME BACK

     "HEY, REG, it's nice to see you without Kalani."

     Reggie stuffed his duffle bag in his locker, rolling his eyes at Moose's comment. "If you're implying that I've picked Kalani over everyone in here, you are ultimately correct."

     Reggie yawned in exhaustion, staying up the previous night comforting Kalani. The girl felt extremely bad for brushing off Jughead's problems and even though Jughead insisted he didn't care, Kalani apologized profusely.

     Also, Cheryl was back at school and sought to claim her captain status with the River Vixens. Kalani came very close to punching her in the face when she showed up to practice, directing the girls like she still ran the show. Kalani was quick to inform the redhead that Weatherbee crowned her as the new captain, and Cheryl's title at the school was no longer safe.

     Reggie hoisted his backpack over his shoulder when he heard the melodious voice of his girlfriend. "Reggie? Reggie Mantle! I'm not going in there!"

     He chuckled and said goodbye to his teammates, who were grumbling their responses. He exited the locker room and smiled brightly when he saw Kalani, flower in her hair and mouth pulled into a thin line.

     "Hi, beautiful rose," he greeted, leaning down to kiss her.

     "Hi," she smiled. "Do you mind hanging out with me and the group today?"

     He knew Kalani faced certain insecurities when it came to her friends, and it had recently come to light that most of them believed she spent too much time with Reggie. After Jughead's arrest, she wanted to spend as much time with them as she did before her and Reggie became an item.

     "I never mind, beautiful rose. Will they be okay with me being there?"

     Her head tilted in thought. "Jughead and Archie may not be, but they'll have to get used to it."

     She pulled him down the hallway until they entered the lounge. All of Kalani's friends — Archie, Valerie, Jughead, Betty, Veronica, Kevin, and Lucas — looked up, wearing the same expression of surprise.

     "Hi," Kalani said confidently. Reggie pulled out a seat for her. "I'm sitting down with you guys today and so is Reggie. If anyone has any qualms, please address them now."

     Jughead raised his hand. "Actually, I-"

     "Great!" Kalani clapped her hands together. "So, what are we talking about?"

     The room grew silent until Betty cleared her throat, continuing on with what she was saying whether Reggie was there or not. "Polly's convinced herself that no one wants her baby."

     "Besides, of course, the child-snatching Blossom monsters," Kevin joked. Both Cheryl and Lucas threw a side glance. "No offense, Cheryl."

     "None taken," Cheryl responded with sarcasm.

     "So your mom and dad want Polly but not the baby, and the Blossoms want the baby and not Polly," Jughead concluded. Betty nodded in agreement. "That's a true Gordian knot."